Kewell homecoming unlikely as FFA baulk at demands

MELBOURNE (Reuters) -- Former Leeds and Liverpool forward Harry Kewell will not be returning home to play in Australia's top flight after talks with the national governing body fell through, his manager said on Monday.

Kewell, Australia's first world-class player, had been courted by Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory with Football Federation Australia (FFA) offering to pitch in payments linked to a marketing role for the struggling A-League.

However, his manager Bernie Mandic said the FFA had baulked at a demand for Kewell to get a slice of gate revenues at away games.

"The FFA offered to assist in bringing Harry back to play in Australia and asked what it would cost to use Harry to market and promote the sport in partnership with the FFA," he told local radio.

"It was a 30-70 split of any additional gate revenue from the away games that Harry plays in.

"If there are no more people coming to the away games that Harry plays in, Harry gets nothing ... Now this was not accepted by the FFA, which is fair enough."

The 32-year-old has struggled with injuries over the course of his career and was released by Turkish club Galatasaray after three seasons.

He remains revered in Australia, however, where local clubs struggle to retain their best players in the face of more lucrative deals overseas.

The FFA said in a statement that it had noted Mandic's comments but declined to say whether negotiations were off.

"The fact remains that Harry Kewell would be a fabulous acquisition for any ... A-League club and would be a great boost for the competition," it said.

Melbourne Victory managing director Richard Wilson confirmed the club had put forward an offer and were still holding out hope of landing the 2006 and 2010 World Cup forward's signature.

"We've put our best foot forward ... to give us the best opportunity to secure one of the greatest players who has played for this country and we would like for him to be here at Melbourne Victory, and we're really hopeful about that," Wilson told reporters.

More Soccer

We've Got Apps Too

Get expert analysis, unrivaled access, and the award-winning storytelling only SI can provide - from Peter King, Tom Verducci, Lee Jenkins, Seth Davis, and more - delivered straight to you, along with up-to-the-minute news and live scores.